Careers

Sherman was interested in a hands-on career because he always liked fixing things.
He took courses in physics, math, and chemistry at Belanger High School. Although
Sherman considered several programs, he chose a marine career because it offered
graduates better pay, more travel, lots of jobs, and more time off. Tuition fees
were lower, too.

What’s Sherman’s educational background?

Sherman completed the Marine Institute’s Marine Engineering Technology program.
Early in his studies, he was unsure he had made the best choice; but his first work
term with Seismic Surveys confirmed that he was in the right field. He enjoyed watch
keeping in the engine room and the challenge of fixing equipment quickly. Life at
sea was a good fit.

What’s Sherman’s job all about?

Sherman has worked for companies from different parts of the world, but he has always
lived in NL. He has sailed on many types of vessels, including research and cargo
ships. Each ship is different, so Sherman learned all he could about various vessel
types. He gained enough sea time to earn a 2nd Class certificate; he hopes to write
his 1st class ticket this year.

After some years of working on ships farther afield, Sherman got a job on an offshore
platform as a production operator. He was delighted to get this work off the coast
of NL. This job opened a new world of platform utility systems, machinery, and processes
in primary oil production.

From this role, Sherman moved to the platform maintenance department. He later became
maintenance supervisor, again because he had the right education and experience.

Sherman works three weeks on shore planning about 13,500 hours of platform maintenance
and three weeks offshore overseeing the work carried out by 65 workers from various
trades; then he has three weeks off.

The job includes running, maintaining, and fixing everything from refrigeration
systems, engines the size of an average house, and all kinds of pumps. The work
blends mechanics, electrical operations, welding, and operating. It’s challenging
and engaging, and it suits Sherman perfectly.

What are Sherman’s working conditions like?

Sherman drives to work at the Petro-Canada offices in St. John’s, but he goes offshore
by chopper or supply vessel. He works 12-hour shifts per day for three-week rotations.

Onboard working conditions and accommodations are excellent. On the platform, Sherman
has his own room, internet, and satellite TV. The meals are great, the crew is well
trained, and safety is the primary consideration.

What benefits are associated with Sherman’s job?

Sherman’s career path demonstrates the range of employment available for marine
engineers. While being away from home is tough, the generous leave system for work
on offshore platforms makes up for it. High salaries also make the job very attractive.

What’s exciting or cool about Sherman’s career area?

Sherman works on a vessel with two large gas turbines designed to work off gas that
flashes from the oil pulled from the sea bed. The whole platform can be powered
for free by using clean burning fuel gas 99 percent of the time. If these machines
were burning diesel, they would use 200,000 liters in 24 hours; it would take eight
tractor trailer loads of diesel to meet one day’s requirement. Sherman says it’s
exciting to be part of this green shift.

On a personal level, Sherman still finds the work fascinating and the travel exciting.
Besides routine work-related travel, he has completed specialized training internationally.
It’s been a perfect career choice.

What advice would Sherman give to people considering a marine transportation
career?

This career requires the ability to thrive while at sea, an interest in how things
actually work, a willingness to interact with all kinds of people, and a desire
to learn. It offers huge rewards and a great variety of career paths.